Design Indaba appoints Adams & Adams, introduces creative films, encourages youth

Protecting designers

Adams & Adams is the official attorneys and associate sponsor of the seventeenth annual Design Indaba. Ravi Naidoo, the CEO and founder of Design Indaba says, "This is the first time that Design Indaba partners with a law firm and one that appreciates the value of creativity and is focused on protecting the intellectual property of artists, designers and creative minds."

Attorneys from the practice will be exhibiting at this year's Indaba Expo. The senior partner in Cape Town, Phil Pla, says the firm is well versed in championing the cause of the creative mind. "It has been providing legal advice and support to designers and inventors for the last 104 years."

"Creative genius is a rare gift. However, do you know how to go about protecting your valuable intellectual property from opportunists looking to make a quick buck off your creative work? Artists, authors, graphic or industrial designers, fashion designers or photographers - creative entrepreneurs must protect their creations," says Mariette du Plessis, a senior partner in the trademarks department in Pretoria.

"What's right for you"

"If the concept of whether to brand, copyright or register a design is all a trifle blurry around the edges, then this workshop will be the easiest way to figure out what's right for you. In today's world, imitation is not a sincere form of flattery - ultimately it is a drain on your income and your ability to support yourself. South African creative minds should benefit financially from the time and energy that they spend on a new product, not the copycats in China.

"South Africa has incredible creative talents, such as Heath Nash, Tonic Design, Pierre Cronje, Dokter&Misses, Laduma Ngxokolo to name a few. They should be able to create their innovative products and enjoy the financial benefits thereof."

The practice is the official attorneys to and sponsors of the Young Creatives Category of the annual Loerie Awards and a partner of the magazine industry's prestigious PICA Awards for excellence in magazine publishing. Follow @Cr8veDesignLaw on Twitter for more.

Filmfest offers

During the Filmfest, two design films will be screened every evening, at 6.15pm and 8.30pm offering highlights such as the first African premiere of Urbanized (2011), the final film in the Gary Hustwit Design Trilogy, a series of documentaries that also includes the award-winning Helvetica (2007) and Objectified (2009). It takes a closer look at architecture and urban design and features some of the world's foremost architects, planners, policymakers, builders and thinkers in a discussion on the design of cities.

Other highlights on the programme include a special advanced screening of Sing your Song about the legacy of entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte, while Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff, follows the trials and tribulations of one of the world's greatest cinematographers.

From great cinematography to great cooking, El Bulli: Cooking in Progress is an insider's view of Ferran Adrià's El Bulli restaurant, which has been dubbed the world's most influential restaurant. Another Design Indaba alumnus, Marian Bantjes, uncovers what is possible with art and design in Marian Bantjes, Graphic Artist.

Hope, fear and digital culture

PressPausePlay looks at hope, fear and digital culture, featuring some of the digital revolution's most prominent players. Staying with cultural movements, Punk in Africa tells the little-known story of punk's movement through the landscape and politics of Southern Africa.

The New York Times photographer, Bill Cunningham takes a journey through the Big Apple in support of his belief that "the best fashion show is definitely on the street" in Bill Cunningham New York, while Vigilante Vigilante looks at the vigilantes that take to the streets to rid the world of graffiti.

How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr Foster? celebrates the work of Norman Foster, an architect who is rebuilding the future and there is De Stoel van Rietveld, the story of a Dutchman's chair that changed history. There's also Design The New Business, Movements Continued, New York in Motion, Over Your Cities Grass Will Grow and Dive!, the story of America's waste.

In a first for the Filmfest, the programme also includes a 3D film, Cave of Forgotten Dreams, directed by Werner Herzog and is an experience of the legend of one of the world's oldest art sites.

Tickets are available at Computicket.

DIY workshops

The DIY (Design Indaba Youth) programme at Design Indaba Expo offers younger visitors the opportunity to get their hands dirty, in a creative way, by participating in a range of hands-on workshops.

There is something for everyone, from designing an event poster to programming a Lego robot to jamming with art, with something to appeal to teenagers and younger children.

Now in its third year, the presenters for this year's programme include designer Heath Nash, artist Lecia de Waal, musician Jeremy Loops and street artist Selah.

Presented by DStv, the programme introduces young people to the fun of design, while highlighting its endless possibilities.

For more:

• Bizcommunity special section: Design Indaba
  
• Bizcommunity twitterfall: Design Indaba
  
• Design Indaba website: www.designindaba.co.za
  
• Facebook: Design Indaba
  
• Twitter: @DesignIndaba
  
• Twitter Search: Design Indaba OR designindaba OR DI2012
  
• Google News Search: Design Indaba

Updated at 9.14am on 17 February 2012.

For more:
www.designindaba.com